W.I.N. Wednesday: Lessons From Life's Most Powerful Question - Achievement, the Olympics and You
"Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one's levels of aspiration... and expectation."
Jack Nicklaus
The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics start this week. I always enjoy watching the Olympic competitions and this year I am extra excited as I have had the opportunity over the past couple of years to work as a mental preparation coach for one of the Canadian Olympians.
As you watch the Winter Olympics over the next two weeks remember that the athlete you are cheering for did not start out as an Olympic athlete. In fact, many of those athletes did not even think of the Olympic games when they first strapped on a pair of skis or skates. They simply wanted to be able to make it across the rink or down 100 yards down the hill without falling down. As their competence and confidence grew so did their aspirations and expectations. Some of the athletes transitioned from other sports like track and football into bobsled or other winter sports late in their athletic careers. For all the athletes their ability to get to this level is a result of years of hard work and commitment. Years of steadily raising their levels of aspiration and expectation.
While most of us will never compete in an Olympic games we can accomplish Olympic level achievement in our own lives as parents, teachers, law enforcement professionals, nurses, sales reps, janitors, truck drivers, or any other field of endeavour. In life, as in the Olympics, achievement is a result of a personal commitment to always be a little better tomorrow than you are today - steadily raising one's level of aspiration and expectation.
What's Important Now? - What did you do yesterday to make yourself a little better? What are you committed to do today?
Take care.
Brian Willis
Committed to the pursuit of excellence through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
Contact me at winningmind@mac.com if you would like to have speak to your team, your organization or at your conference.